APS employees help those in need for the holidays

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Nearly 1,000 APS employees got the chance to write thank you notes that military members will receive during the holidays, fill out angel trees or make toy and clothing donations at the 2nd Annual Light Up the Holidays event in downtown Phoenix.

"It's a lot more convenient, we can take an hour or two and help to whatever cause we want, there's a lot going on down here today," Nancy Hill said. "When my kids were very little we were the family that the school provided Christmas presents for because we were down and out so yeah, it's amazing what just a package of socks can do for somebody."

Tracey Costello helps organize the event and says last year they made a big difference in the community.

"We sent thousands and thousands of the holiday mail went overseas, we collected hundreds of hundreds of toys for Toys for Tots; a bunch of things were blankets and coats and toys were sent to St. Vincent de Paul," she said.

Employees also helped write out angel tags that will be hanging on Christmas trees around the Valley. On them will be a child in need's wish list.

"They're asking for soccer balls and helmets," Ted Kirby said.

And with help like Ted Kirby's, they might just get it.

"A kid to get something that they want and put a smile on their face, that's magical," he said.

Spreading magic and giving back is really what the holiday season is all about.

"Just do what you can do and just remember there are people out there who don't have anything close to what we have and giving back is what it's all about," Costello said.